New Delhi/Keonjhar, March 27: Keonjhar MP Ananta Nayak strongly raised the issue of the need for tourism development in Keonjhar district of Odisha during the Zero Hour in Lok Sabha on Thursday. He emphasized that despite the district being endowed with immense natural beauty, cultural heritage, and religious significance, it has not yet witnessed the desired growth in the tourism sector.

Highlighting the potential, MP Nayak pointed out that within a 150-kilometre radius of Keonjhar district, there are around 22 major natural destinations that can significantly boost the state’s tourism profile if developed with proper infrastructure and promotion. He asserted that such development would not only benefit Keonjhar but also contribute to strengthening Odisha’s economy.

Nayak made special mention of the Maa Tarini Temple in Ghatagaon, which attracts the second-highest number of devotees in the state after the famed Shree Jagannath Temple. Other important religious and historical sites mentioned included Sitabinj (linked to the Ramayana), Bhimkund (connected to the Mahabharata), Kushaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Baratipara Mahadev, Murga Mahadev Temple, and Chakratirtha, all of which, he said, require attention for tourism development.

The BJP MP  also highlighted Gonasika, the origin of the sacred Baitarani River, which holds religious significance akin to the Ganges and has the potential to be promoted as a pilgrimage destination. The district is also home to several scenic waterfalls such as Sanaghagara, Gundichaghagi, Handibhanga, Badaghagara, and Khandadhar, which can draw significant tourist interest if properly developed.

In addition to these, MP Nayak noted that Keonjhar has several ideal spots for picnics and eco-tourism including Keshari Kund, Tenteinali, Giridih Dam, Kaizhar, Kaijoda, Dargadshila, Dabarchua, and Sangadhara, all of which could become major tourist attractions with proper planning.

Despite the immense tourism potential, Nayak lamented that the lack of basic infrastructure and insufficient promotion have hindered the district's recognition on the tourism map. He urged the government to develop key infrastructure like roads, rest houses, hotels/lodges, and internet connectivity, and to undertake widespread promotional campaigns for these destinations.

Nayak emphasized that encouraging religious, cultural, and eco-tourism in the region could open up employment opportunities for local youth and give a much-needed boost to the regional economy. Ananta Nayak urged the central government to formulate special plans and allocate dedicated budgetary resources for the development of Keonjhar as a prominent tourism destination, stating that such efforts would have a transformative impact not just on the district, but on Odisha as a whole.